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GSL

Forecast systems that deliver solutions


Global Systems Laboratory

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation.

GSL strives to advance its workforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We are also committed to increased diversity equity, inclusion and accessibility as well as a strong foundation for career growth.

GSL's research serves the nation

The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders.

Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.


Public Safety

Public Safety

GSL’s models and technology help emergency managers respond to weather threats quickly.


Aviation

Aviation

Our tools help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce air traffic delays and increase safety.


Energy

Energy

GSL’s weather models enable the energy industry to plan for the variable nature of wind and solar energy.


Fire Weather

Fire Weather

Decision support systems and smoke models developed by GSL help with wildfire operations.


Latest News

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Messaging Under the Microscope: Evaluating Official Risk Communication During the Marshall Fire

March 08, 2024

As the risk of impact from wildland fires increases across the United States, GSL’s Social and Behavioral Science Branch has performed research aiming to harness the power of social media to inform citizens during an active wildfire. One of our research social scientists examined how Twitter (now X) users engaged...

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Taylor Trogdon named NOAA Team Member of the Month

March 08, 2024

Taylor Trogdon was recently named NOAA’s Team Member of the Month for December, 2023. Taylor serves as a research meteorologist at the NOAA Global Systems Laboratory in Boulder, CO.In late August and early September, the NOAA Global Systems Laboratory's Taylor Trogdon was invited by the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC)...

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Dr. Ligia Bernardet honored with the NOAA Silver Sherman Award

March 05, 2024

Dr. Ligia Bernardet, Chief of the Earth Prediction Advancement Division at NOAA Global Systems Laboratory (GSL), has been awarded the Silver Sherman Award for her outstanding leadership and support for community modeling at NOAA. The award was presented at the recent 104th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD,...

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Successful Projects

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Research-to-Operations (R2O)

Research-to-Operations (R2O)

GSL has a history of successfully transitioning atmospheric research into advanced products and services for weather operations.

Learn more about R2O
Regional Models

Regional Models

We are the leader in developing and evolving regional weather models. The Rapid Refresh, High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and RAP Smoke are just a few.

Learn more about our models
Unified Forecast System

Unified Forecast System

GSL is part of a major community effort to develop a coupled, comprehensive Earth modeling system.

Read how GSL supports the UFS

GSL Mission

Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.

Research Areas

Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.